down to earth

today i had the privilege of visiting with a real farmer. my relatives were down from canada and stopped for a visit. as soon as he got out of the car he walked right to our tractor. he is old school without being old fashioned. he knows all about crop rotation and is up to speed on modern agriculture wars and the tragic industrialization of america's food. we talked about "food inc." the movie and about what the word "organic" really means. in between singing the praises of good topsoil, he can tell you the cure for every plant disease and best means for livestock health. he still believes in letting the ground rest every 7 years and found that, through the years, it actually boosted his production and finances in the long run.

he is a dying breed, one of the last great real men of the land. (you haven't had breakfast until gerald has made you his speciality multi-grain cereal). he is someone you want to have strong brewed coffee with around a campfire, for he can spin a tale like no one else. the man has pluck, wit, verve...he's simply refreshing and, quite literally, down to earth.